MADRID, SPAIN / RankWire.AI / – Spain has implemented temporary border inspections for travelers arriving from Italy by air and sea. These measures, which commenced at midnight on Aug. 8, are set to remain in place until Sept. 7. Authorities are conducting passport, nationality, and visa status verifications where applicable. The controls are applicable to Italian travelers and other passengers entering Spain from Italy. This step follows Italy’s earlier decision to reintroduce temporary checks on certain arrivals from Spain.
During the first day of enforcement, Spain’s Interior Ministry reported inspecting 199 passengers on 12 flights originating from Italy. These inspections were carried out at airports in Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Bilbao, Alicante, and Valencia. Travelers affected by these procedures may be subject to document verification before completing their arrival formalities. It is important to note that these controls do not constitute a border closure. Air and sea routes connecting Spain and Italy are ongoing while these temporary measures are enforced.
Italy reinstated checks on Aug. 1 following a significant influx of migrants into Ceuta from Morocco in late July. The Italian authorities extended their measures to non-EU nationals arriving from Spain via air and sea. EU citizens, including Spanish and Italian nationals, were not targeted by these controls. Italy informed European authorities that the restrictions would continue through Sept. 1. Subsequently, Spain announced its own border checks after calling for the Italian measures to be withdrawn.
Ceuta migration surge preceded bilateral border controls
Approximately 72,000 migrants entered Ceuta during the large-scale movement from Morocco that began in late July. Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska stated on Aug. 4 that around 70,000 individuals had already left the territory. Ceuta, located on the North African coast, remains outside the Schengen Area. This migration episode took place prior to Italy’s reintroduction of controls on certain travelers from Spain. Spain then announced its own checks for passengers arriving from Italy through airports and seaports.
Madrid announced the new Spanish border measures on Aug. 7 after expressing opposition to the restrictions imposed by Rome. Spain criticized Italy’s controls as lacking justification and discriminatory. Italy maintained its measures, and Spain began its own inspections the following day. The two countries have set different end dates for their current controls, with Italy’s scheduled to conclude on Sept. 1 and Spain’s to continue until Sept. 7.
Temporary border controls are allowed under Schengen rules
While the Schengen Area generally permits free movement across internal borders of member countries without routine passport checks, it also allows temporary controls when serious threats to public policy or internal security are identified. The European Commission emphasizes that border checks should only be used when necessary and for limited durations. Both Spain and Italy are members of the Schengen Agreement. Their current measures involve temporary screening procedures without suspending regular travel between the two nations.
Travelers from Italy to Spain should anticipate possible identity and immigration checks at Spanish airports and seaports during the enforcement period. Spain’s first day of inspections involved nearly 200 travelers across six major airports. Meanwhile, Italy continues its separate checks on targeted non-EU arrivals from Spain under its notified schedule. These controls are temporary within the framework of the Schengen Agreement. Spain’s measures are scheduled to remain in effect through Sept. 7.